our daily bore

     I wouldn't mind hearing controversial but interesting views of Mo Twister or the happy banter of Tony Toni with his friends. Or the very masa Papa Jack giving his advice. While they are not necessarily always agreeable, their opinions are always interesting. But with Jam's afternoon uninteresting conversations about lifeless topics, I am sorry to say but it's a bummer. 

     Generally speaking, Jam 88.3 is still my radio station because alternative is the only genre that I will never get tired listening. The said radio station is accompanying my nights while I'm asleep and the days while doing the daily routine or other unexpected shit load. But come lunch time, I will find some other FM stations or just play some mp3 files from iTunes. Or just watch porn. Or just watch some mindless noontime TV shows.

I was watching this hero even his name wasn't familiar yet. That time, no one thought that he will go the great distance. Except maybe for his self, with his determination and raw talent. I was watching his fights that time because of its entertainment value. Almost same as my age, I never had the chance to see other boxers ring "brawl" as Pacquiao. Other fighters are just too systematic and scientific to be entertaining.

     Fast forward, with all the endorsements, acting gigs, political activities and other distractions.. His face down in the canvas, I can't help but feel its pain and in a way be nostalgic. The man considered by many as boxing savior has fallen. And despite the popular and uplifting comments from the populace that it is not how hard you fall but in the way you stand up again.. Failure is something that can linger longer that it appears. When he was knocked down, together with the world, I was also in disbelief and was speechless for some seconds. Of course, he is still wealthier than most of us. But the triumph and celebration of the possible was also put to a halt. What died, even temporarily, is our illusion of immortal greatness. Our hallucination that with determination, everything's possible. Because in real life, failure is more than a possibility. It's the reality.

     But I hope Manny can still fight with flare and gusto. Ageless and without fear. Just like his first matches. Or just like that last fight. Not necessarily with the same result.

August 2011. Christopher Lao was helped by bystanders after he plunged his car in the water. Then he blamed them for not informing what was ahead of him. Then the GMA news team that interviewed him. Then the government.

     August 2012. Robert Carabuena was caught on video hitting an MMDA officer when he was pulled over by the traffic enforcer.

     November 2012. Paula Salvosa also known as Amalayer girl was seen berating a lady security guard. According to her, the lady guard grabbed her arm.

     Some months ago, I was in NAIA Terminal 1 to fetch my mother. I was about to go where she's at when an airport guard stopped me and grabbed my arm. I told the guard in a low-tone authoritative voice, "Why?". And he told me that I'm entering the wrong gate. I replied, "You just have to tell me. Don't grab my arm, I don't know you."

     November 2012. Hours after the Amalayer incident, it was trending on twitter. Paula was condemned left and right for her action and grammar. One celebrity icon tweeted that whatever the lady guard might have been said or did, Salvosa over-reacted. 

     At first, I don't know how to react. But I think something's missing for this girl to be the subject of hate. 

Two Laws and Losses for Freelancers and Netizens 

The Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines’ (FWGP) 

Statement on Aquino’s Cyber Laws 

21 September 2012 

In August and September of this year, the Philippine President signed two laws that “recognize the role of information and communications technology in nation-building and social and economic development.” These laws are: 

Tale as old as time. Yes, a fairy tale. A cliché story of having the impossible. You can almost expect what will happen in the end. But with witty brit humor, lovable characters and entertaining hollywood storytelling.

Then you will remember the old issue that was Hugh Grant. Caught in a car having sex with a prostitute. The issue was not that he had paid for sex. But the kind of prostitute. Think of the Avenida type 500 pesos hooker. Not the high class escort service for politicians and businessmen. 

Okay, it was an exaggeration. Not the Recto type. It was like the Malate girls. But you get the grip. 

Anyway..

That was the issue headlined by the media. But they never hated him for it. In fact, he got some more movies again after the incident. Thankfully.

It is an old movie, relatively speaking. And I'm not the biggest fan of this kind of story. I want blood or pain, melancholy or any disturbing realities. But after watching Notting Hill, I say let's go back to fairy tale. At least from time to time. Because sometimes, we need to believe in something. No matter how hopeless. Yes, that human spirit! That mushy message.

Well, is it an escapist film? Yes! 

Is it worth your time? Yes!

Sentor Sotto really hates free expression. I remember his reaction way back the 90s when Eraserheads' Alapaap was playing in the airwaves. Anyway, here's the newest band of Ely Buendia, Oktaves. Their song is Paakyat ka pa Lang, Pababa na Ako. This video is not mine. I just adjusted some of the colors.

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS FOR FREELANCE WRITERS THIS YEAR IS HAPPENING ON SEPTEMBER 16:

THE 2ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FREELANCE WRITERS' GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, 1 TO 6PM IN UP HOTEL. SO MAKE SURE YOU GO TO THE MIBF BEFORE SEPT 16, OKAY? :)

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT:

1. There will be a talk by CELINE ROQUE about Online Freelance Writing), NOEMI PAMINTUAN JARA and freelancer.com's SHARON DE DIOS will be sharing their freelance writing experiences, too. Plus, seasoned writer BERT SULAT will also be sharing lessons, tips and advice for freelance writers.

2. We have also invited representatives from the client side (yes, you read it right, THEY will be there) to talk about what makes them tick, what turns them off, what skills you should possess, etc. We will be hearing from CES RODRIGUEZ of Yahoo! Philippines, CAMSY OCUMEN from freelancer.com, and YASMIN ARQUIZA of GMA News Online.

3. The panel of reactors will be composed of three freelance writers who will represent all of us (because we can't all be given the chance to speak): DINO MANRIQUE, STEPHANIE GONZAGA, and BEVERLY SIY.

4. PLUS, the results of the RATES SURVEY will be presented, together with the accomplishments and future plans of the the different FWGP committees.

The event will be hosted by VIVA ANDRADA and ANGELICA CARBALLO. Open forum to be moderated by SUSAN CLAIRE AGBAYANI. Performances by PETER ALLAN MARIANO and CHARLIE MORALES' band. 

BOOKS WILL BE ON SALE AT THE VENUE!

FWGP wishes to thank our sponsors: FILIPINAS COPYRIGHT AND LICENSING SOCIETY (FILCOLS), AIR21, BUSINESSWORLD, HERWORD, BALANGAY PRODUCTIONS, TINDAHAN NG ITLOG NI KUYA, MICHELLE'S CUPCAKES, AGIMAT, AND MANY MORE.

YOUR ENTRANCE FEE OF P100 WILL BE USED TO PAY FOR VENUE AND EQUIPMENT.

A missed flight, stormy weather, an earthquake of 7.6 magnitude, tsunami warning, unretrievable video files because of virus and some other things add fun to our perfect getaway in Dakak and the rest of Dapitan, MIndanao. 

     We were about to shoot the season 2 pilot episode of the travel show "Where's Tony?" in Dapitan but we had a quick stop first in Dumaguete because of some unforeseen but avoidable events. But we're not complaining. As they say, it's the journey not the destination.

     At the tail of these pics, I was searching for the pictures where we got so sweaty and boom! Singing and feeling rockstars as we sing our hearts out. But of course, I was so cautious to bring the cam while singing Laklak, Lakas Tama and other hard rock songs. But yeah, cheers! Out of tune that we were, we weren't there to sing. We were there to entertain! 

It was raining hard and people were asking if the monthly open book will push through. Dr. Margie Holmes talked to FWGP execomm Ime and said yes, it will. Of course, it will. Because as she said, "If you can't be excited about sex, what else can excite you?" So she and her husband Jeremy Baer came. And it was a fun afternoon with discussions of love, lust and some other complicated things.  

Here are some of the moments captured:

Come join us this saturday for an orgy.. of ideas!

Have you ever found yourself (or someone you know) in a love triangle? Do you have an “imported” love? Are “mistresses” and “unfaithful spouses” topics that appeal to you? Do you have taboo love questions you have been wanting to ask Dr. Holmes? 

It's FWGP OPEN (NA OPEN) BOOK with Dr. Margarita Holmes and Jeremy Baer! The event features their new books IMPORTED LOVE and LOVE TRIANGLES. 

Come join us this saturday for an orgy.. of ideas!

Date: July 21, 2012
Venue: Chef’s Bistro, Scout Gandia near Tomas Morato, QC
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Entrance fee: P200
Hosted by Bebang Siy

This event is brought to you by:
BusinessWorld
herword
Air21
Agimat
Chef's Bistro
Botski Bakery

LIMITED SEATS.

For early and sure-seat reservations, you may opt to pay via BPI bank deposit or LBC or Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala.

Please text or call

IME (09062457910) OR TEENA (09153913129) FOR MORE DETAILS.

It's been a while. Some busy days. Whew! Anyway, hope you can watch our new comedy show "Gag U!". It will start this Sunday July 15, 6pm after UAAP on Studio 23. Take a peek:

July 9, 2010. Lebron James was announcing to the world that the "Three Kings (LBJ with D Wade and Bosh)" came down to Miami to win championships. 

ERIC REID: We know you guys are going to enjoy the sun and the fun and all the spoils of South Florida. But we also know you Three Kings came down here to win championships, not one. Championships.

LEBRON JAMES: Not two.

ERIC REID: Tell us about that.

LEBRON JAMES: Not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, not seven. Hey, and when I say that when I say that, I really believe it. I'm not just up here blowing smoke at none of these fans, because that's not what I'm about. I'm about business. And we believe we can win multiple championships.

And was added:

For the month of May, the monthly Freelance Writers' Guild of the Philippines' OpenBook session featured Clarissa V. Militante. She is the author of "Different Countries". Some of the moments here:

We covered the ICTSI Golf Tournament in Baguio and there wasn't much to do after noon, after shoot.. Except the usual tong-its, emperador.. And uhmm.. Photo shoot! haha :)

We've just concluded the Talahib video launch few nights ago at the 70s Bistro. Too bad, there were some technical problems encountered including off-sync audio-video. Whew! Anyway, here's the music video. I hope youtube will not make it off sync too. 

Iwa wasn't there personally because he's in Australia. But his friends were there - Lourd de Veyra, Jun Sabayton, and Jim Libiran. No drugs. Only mentions of it. And some other shit, as Iwa said.

After the lame pics are the "damaged" pictures :) Take a look: 

I was invited to a book festival and the first thing that came across my mind was "Am I for this?" 

Of course I'm elated. Because every invitation is welcome and I'm a book worm, I must say. At least in my heart.

But when was the last time I read a book and finished it? When was the last time we read books? Blame the technology. Blame the affordable pirated DVDs. Blame youtube, facebook and twitter. Blame the PS3. Blame porn. Blame the busy work schedule. But of course, the real reason is laziness.

Going back, I always took pride introducing the culture of reading to my nieces and nephews. That when they were kids, and their friends were busy with their coloring books or playing brick games, I was acquainting them with books, literature, graphic novels, anime and european films. Oscar Wilde, Tony Perez, Guillermo Arriaga, Neil Gaiman, Jun Cruz Reyes, Quentin Tarantino, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Chobits, etc. 

But now, the closest thing to this is buying some books. And well, starting to read some of the pages. But that's it. Some close encounters were with Samantha Sotto's Before Ever After because she's our first author in Freelance Writers' Guild of the Philippines' OpenBook; Bebang Siy's It's A Mens World, again because we featured her in our monthly OpenBook; Bob Ong's Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin, because I'm a fan; Ricky Lee's Si Amapola Sa 65 Na Kabanata because he's an institution and he knows how to mix mainstream sensibilities and good content; and Norman Wilwayco's Responde because I like his earlier work "Paano Ko Inayos ang Buhok Ko Matapos ang Mahaba-haba Ring Paglalakbay".

With all the nuances and some other forms of entertainment, how can we stimulate ourselves to read books again? Is it through the efforts of groups like the FWGP having the monthly OpenBook event? Or by attending book fairs and festivals? Or by revisiting old and favorite books in the hope of rekindling our lost love for it? Or are the books and theater, now some forms of lost art?

I hope not.

Because while I am one of the millions guilty of abandoning this habit, I would like to believe that love is still there. The want is still present. What's absent is the push. 

And despite the popular adage that it should come from within, a little inspiration from external factors is not bad. I went to SM Farview.. Uhmm, I mean Fairview. And hope that some influences motivate me to read again. The Book Festival at the annex atrium was featuring, during that time, book author Ronald Molmisa and former Probe reporter and now a sketching backpacker Robert Alejandro.

It was Ronald Molmisa's book signing. His books are "Lovestruck: Love Mo Siya, Sure Ka Ba?" and "Pass or Fail? Paano Maging the Best Student Ever". And was followed by Art Factory and Backpacking Stories with Robert Alejandro. 

As I am tempted to say the how and what happened, I will let the pictures tell you the story. But before that, let me first tell you, in case you want to know, that the SM City Fairview Book Festival is running until Tuesday, March 13. Astigirl Tweet Sering will be there, Peter Pan will tell some stories, there will be book signing sessions (Precious Pages authors), and an open discussion about digital publishing, among other things.

Yes, teenybopper stories of Precious Pages might not be what you want. Because you want sad stories of broken promises, death and futile efforts. 

Or you think Peter Pan's Storytelling session will just be for kids. Because what pleases you are gore fest, complicated plots and twisted characters.

And actually, I'm saying it to my self. Because what's cool for me is Death Note and Elfen Lied. Fight Club, Pulp Fiction and Magnolia. Amores Perros and Life is Beautiful. Battle Royale. Gaspar Noe's Irreversible and I Stand Alone. Among other tales. Those stories that explore melancholy, hopelessness and the sick human mind. 

But amidst all these, our former Business Unit Head, and now a film director, Sir Enrico always said, "All stories are love stories. Or at least, should be." Any genre, any target market, any medium. And I agree.

High School Musical, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, Titanic, Grey's Anatomy, Cedie, Princess Sarah, Dog of Flanders, Spirited Away, etc. Fuck! I love them all. Honest! Because the love to watch or read dark stories is not a negation of it's opposite themes. 

And now I think I'm not making sense anymore :) You can take a look at the pictures now :) Happy week-end. Start reading books now! :) 

Some weeks ago, Iya Villania interviewed the band Tanya Markova. They talked about how the band was formed, what were they doing before it, their influences, who spends the most and some other things. 

Here's the segment that aired in studio 23 without yet the logo and other gfx:

Earlier this day, the NCAA released the statement banning San Beda College basketball Coach Frankie LIm and San Sebastian College volleyball Coach Roger Gorayeb from participating in NCAA for 2 years, the seasons 88 and 89. 

This came as a result of their respective roles in a melee at the San Beda campus last December, according to Ramon C. Cercado, the NCAA Mancom Chairman. 

Here's the full NCAA statement:

Some weeks ago, Freelance Writers Guild of the Philippines invited Ricky Lee for the OpenBook Series and he shared some things and wisdom. Among other things, he talked about writing the book Amapola and his apprehensions; his 1st story and taste of censorship; and some thoughts on being naive and dumb.

There's the rawness, anger and sincerity. Specially in this live version of I don't know where they performed here. None the too much melodrama for a love song. I like this live version even better than the original one. But that's not to downgrade the album version.

Have a wonderful rainy homey sunday friends.. You might wanna check this out:

Do you remember the social advocacy called "Ako Mismo"?

Here were some of the highlights of Ako Mismo Dog Tag Day.. Yes, from the archives of 2009. Ely Buendia and the rest of Pupil, Bamboo, Kjwan, Kamikazee, The Dawn, Up Dharma Down, and some other bands.

After a series of successful OpenBook talks featuring highly-acclaimed and bestselling authors Sam Sotto (Before Ever After), Bebang Siy (It’s a Mens World), Tweet Sering (Astigirl) and Ricky Lee (Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata), award-winning poet JOEL TOLEDO will be the featured book author at the Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines’ (FWGP’s) OpenBook talk at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17 at the Chef’s Bistro, located at 94 Scout Gandia near corner Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

     Joel will read works from Ruins and Reconstructions -- his third collection of poems (published by Anvil Publishing) -- and his works in progress. This will be followed by an open forum, book signing and photo ops.

     Joel is the author of three books of poetry, winner of two (2) Don Carlos Palanca Awards for Poetry, and is the first Asian to win the Bridport International Creative Writing Prize. 

     

     He was a recipient of The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center residency in Belagio, Italy in March 2011, and the International Writing Program (IWP) residency at the University of Iowa, U.S.A. from August to November 2011. 

     A poetry-reading session will precede Joel’s talk. Among the guest readers are: columnists Jenny Ortuoste and Karen Kunawicz, Ramil Gulle, Abet Umil, Ceres Abanil, Nonilon Queano, Haresh Daswani, Veronica Laurel, Brandon Dollente, Rustum Casia and Rafael San Diego.

There will be performances too:

The Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines (FWGP) teams up with

the Yuchengco Museum for a series of writers’ workshops on culture, art, design and heritage.

It kicked off yesterday with the topic "Bringing Culture into BLOGGING 101 & SEO". Present in the event were blogging pioneers Ganns Deen (guest speaker for Blogging 101) and Janette Toral (on Search Engine Optimization or SEO). 

Dannie Alvarez of the Yuchengco Museum gave a theoretical framework on culture,

followed by Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Arch. Isabel

“Cookie” Berenguer Asuncion with her talk on “Let the Eyes Speak,

Articulating the Language of Design”.

Here are some of the moments captured:

Talahib Album Launch 2 [Plug]:

Because our grade school teacher tells us that the word "more" shows comparison, so saying that "It's more fun in the Philippines", can I ask "More fun than what, than where?"

I'm just kidding. And it's not even funny.

Anyway, here are some of the comedians (random sample) that auditioned for Studio 23's new comedy show that will air soon:

Here's the full episode of The Bottomline with Filipino Freethinker president Red Tani:

(no registration required)

Here is the list of winners to the 6th edition of Gandingan: UPLB Isko's Iska's Broadcast Choice Awards:

• Best Development-Oriented Station - ABS-CBN
• Best Morning Show - Umagang Kay Ganda (ABS-CBN)
• Best Morning Show Hosts - Umagang Kay Ganda (ABS-CBN)
• Best Documentary Program - Patrol ng Pilipino (ABS-CBN)
• Best News Program - TV Patrol (ABS-CBN)
• Best Development-Oriented Talk Show - The Bottomline (ABS-CBN)
• Best Development-Oriented Talk Show Host - Boy Abunda (ABS-CBN)
• Best News Anchors - Julius Babao, Ces Drilon and Karen Davila, Bandila (ABS-CBN)
• Best Documentarist - Karen Davila, Krusada (ABS-CBN)
• Best Public Service Program Host - Alvin Elchico and Bernadette Sembrano, Salamat Doc (ABS-CBN)
• Best Educational Program - Matanglawin (ABS-CBN)
• Gandingan ng Kalikasan - Kim Atienza, Matanglawin (ABS-CBN)
• Gandingan ng Edukasyon - Kim Atienza, Matanglawin (ABS-CBN)
• Best AM Radio Announcer - Ted Failon
• Most Development Oriented AM Program - Dos Por Dos
• Best FM Radio Station - Tambayan 101.9
• Best FM Radio Jock - DJ Jasmin, Tambayan 101.9
• Best Development-Oriented FM Program- Dear Jasmin, Tambayan 101.9
• Best Livelihood-Oriented Program - MagTV na Amiga (ABS-CBN RNG Bacolod)
• Gandigan Kabuhayan - Carl Balita
• Highly Commended TV Station - GMA News TV
• Best AM Radio Station - DZBB
• Best Magazine Program - Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7)
• Hall of Fame for Best Magazine Program Host - Jessica Soho, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7)
• Best Public Service Program - Wish Ko Lang (GMA-7)
• Best Public Service Program Host - Vicky Morales, Wish Ko Lang (GMA-7)
• Best Investigative Program - Reporter's Notebook (GMA-7)
• Best Investigative Program Host - Jiggy Manicad, Reporter's Notebook (GMA-7)
• Best News Program - 24 Oras (GMA-7)
• Best Environment-Oriented Program - Climate Change

Here are some pics:

We will be having another audition for comedians tomorrow :)

Here are some details: 

Here are some the pics last night. I'll post some of the sound bites later. For now, the pictures first :)

There's no other way to say it: If you're funny and want to be part of this new comedy show that we are brewing, you might want to come. Here are some details:

If you're not familiar with the venue, here's a map: